Author: Moira Shortle

Beep has introduced a second autonomous shuttle in California, collaborating with the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) to serve the Rossmoor 55+ seniors community in Walnut Creek. The PRESTO service aims to provide residents with reliable and free transportation between the Tice Creek Fitness Center and the Gateway Community Center. Operating on a predetermined loop, the shuttles will run five days a week from Monday to Friday, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Each shuttle can accommodate seven seated passengers and will have a trained attendant on board to address any questions and oversee the journey. This deployment follows a…

GAC Aion’s sub-brand Hyper has announced a rebranding initiative, adopting the new English name Hyptec as part of its brand value upgrade to 2.0. The company stated that the new name integrates “Hyp” from Hyper and Hyper Car with “Tec” from Technology, aligning with its enhanced focus on technological advancement. The brand’s new slogan is “Hyper Technology Life,” reflecting its commitment to innovation. Hyptec plans to advance its international presence with a series of technology launches in the coming months. Hyper, which was introduced by GAC Aion in September 2022, initially debuted its model, the Hyper SSR, a two-seater sports…

Samsung SDI has made significant progress in the development of its solid-state batteries, showcasing the latest advancements at SNE Battery Day 2024. The company has delivered initial samples to customers and received positive feedback as it moves towards its goal of mass production by 2027. At the event held in Seoul, Samsung SDI reaffirmed its goal of achieving an energy density of 900 watt-hours per litre (Wh/L) with its solid-state batteries. Koh Joo-young, Vice President of Samsung SDI, noted, “We have delivered samples to customers from the end of last year to the beginning of this year and have received…

Magna International reported second-quarter results below analysts’ estimates, impacted by halted production for certain vehicles and reduced volumes in automobile assembly. The news led to a 2% drop in the auto parts supplier’s shares. The Canadian company, which counts BMW, Mazda, and Ferrari among its clients, produces parts and assembles vehicles at its complete vehicle manufacturing unit for various automakers. “There were layoffs at Magna’s complete vehicle operations,” the company stated on Friday, noting that job cuts began earlier this year. “Sales were negatively impacted by the end of production of certain programs, lower complete vehicle assembly volumes, including as…

Rivian’s CEO, RJ Scaringe, has emphasized that the company’s upcoming R2 electric vehicle (EV) will offer distinct advantages over Tesla’s Model Y. Scaringe asserted that while the R2 will be “slightly smaller” than the Model Y, its performance as an SUV will be “worlds different.” Rivian revealed its next-generation R2 and R3 models in March. The R2, priced starting at $45,000, is positioned just below the average new vehicle cost in the U.S., which, according to Kelley Blue Book, was $48,644 in June. The R2 aims to attract a broader audience, building on Rivian’s success with its R1T and R1S…

Archer Aviation is set to finalize the construction of its 400,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Covington, Georgia by the end of 2024. The facility will be equipped to produce 650 units of Archer Midnight, the company’s electric aerial vehicle (EAV). The Midnight, designed for short trips of 20 to 50 miles, can carry four passengers and a pilot. It boasts a maximum speed of 150 mph and requires only 10 minutes of battery charging between flights. The vehicle is intended for low-altitude operations and is designed for rapid, consecutive flights. Adam Goldstein, CEO and founder of Archer, stated, “Thanks to the…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Zeekr has launched its Zeekr X compact SUV in Singapore and commenced deliveries in Thailand as part of its ongoing globalization strategy, the company announced on Thursday. The Zeekr X, available in two variants, was launched in Singapore on August 1. The standard version is priced at S$199,999 ($150,580), while the flagship version is available for S$214,999. The company explained that the higher prices in Singapore are attributed to elevated purchase costs and taxes compared to those in China. “The Zeekr X was initially launched in China on April 12, 2023,” the company stated. They…

EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies, a joint venture between ElringKlinger and OPmobility, will supply fuel cell stacks for the first non-stop flight of a hydrogen-powered aircraft around the world. Environmental pioneer Bertrand Piccard will be one of the two pilots on this ambitious journey. The Climate Impulse project aims to fly the aircraft over 40,000 kilometers in nine days in 2028 without stopping. The aircraft will be powered by two electric motors, each delivering 200 kW, enabling a cruising speed of around 180 kph. The required electricity will come from PEM fuel cell stacks provided by EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies. The…

Paraclete Energy, a Michigan-based supplier of silicon anode materials, has unveiled its new product, SILO Silicon, which is set to revolutionize the lithium-ion battery market. The company plans to release this material in the final quarter of 2024. SILO Silicon is described by Paraclete Energy as a “revolutionary silicon anode material that will transform the Li-ion battery market, particularly the EV battery sector,” boasting “unprecedented energy density and cost efficiency.” The new material features a “unique polymer matrix architecture” that allows for an industry-leading silicon concentration, delivering up to 300% greater energy density compared to traditional graphite anodes. It also…

Automotive supplier Webasto announced it is expanding its Roof Sensor Module (RSM) portfolio to include robot taxis and autonomous trucks. Previously known for its RSM for passenger cars, Webasto aims to extend its expertise to more advanced vehicle technologies. Webasto has developed roof modules that integrate multiple sensor technologies such as camera, radar, and lidar. The company has secured a project in the United States to supply its RSM to a robot taxi manufacturer. https://evmagz.com/webasto-boosts-traction-battery-energy-content-from-35-to-40-kwh/ “The next big step in this field of development will be autonomous trucks,” said Thomas Schütt, head of the business unit at Webasto. “Here, the…

AISIN Corporation and the BMW Group have agreed on a strategic partnership to collaborate on the production of e-axles. The agreement entails AISIN manufacturing e-axles based on a BMW Group design, with production slated for both China and Europe. AISIN has a history of supplying the BMW Group with key products such as automatic transmissions and variable valve timings. This new partnership builds on the established relationship between the two companies. “The aim of this partnership is a cooperation in the field of build-to-print e-axle production by AISIN based on a BMW Group design,” the companies said in a joint…

British postal service Royal Mail will begin receiving approximately 2,100 electric delivery vans starting in August 2024, with most expected to be operational by the end of the year. Royal Mail plans for over half of the new electric vehicles to be in service before the Christmas shopping period, aiming for a rollout by late November. The vans will be charged at Royal Mail’s delivery offices using “100% renewable electricity.” https://evmagz.com/royal-mail-deploys-4000th-electric-delivery-van-plans-to-expand-fleet-to-5000-by-spring/ The company projects that the addition of these electric vans will result in an annual CO2 reduction of around 6,000 tonnes. Royal Mail has not disclosed specific details about…